HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

Raiders Place Isaiah Crowell On IR

May 3rd, 2019 at 4:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

As expected, Isaiah Crowell is heading to the Raiders’ IR list. The Raiders made that move on Friday, the team announced.

Crowell suffered an Achilles’ tendon tear while working out Tuesday. By virtue of Friday’s transaction, the sixth-year running back will miss the 2019 season.

The Raiders moved quickly to re-sign Doug Martin. Marshawn Lynch is open to returning as well, but he remains in free agency. Oakland is expected to position rookie Josh Jacobs as its starter. Attached to a second-round tender, Jalen Richard is on the roster as a passing-down option. Martin, who bounced back from two down years in becoming the starter after Lynch went down last season, figures to push for the backup job.

As for Crowell, this is obviously a tough blow. He saw the Jets cut bait on the parties’ three-year deal after one season, one in which he received a career-low 143 carries. While Crowell is just 26, Achilles tears are quite damaging to running backs’ careers.

Eagles Claim S Blake Countess

May 3rd, 2019 at 3:47pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Rams waived Blake Countess on Thursday but left the door open to a possible return. That will not happen, at least for the time being.

Countess will instead head east, with the Eagles submitting a successful waiver claim for the fourth-year safety, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. This is interesting, considering the Eagles drafted him in the 2016 sixth round.

Deployed as a reserve safety during his time with the Rams, though he did make two starts over the past two years, the former Day 3 selection will attempt to make a better impression on Doug Pederson‘s staff.

Countess refused to take a pay cut, leading to his Los Angeles exit. It appears he was correct in assessing his value, with the the Eagles set to see if he can stick on their roster in his contract year. The Rams tendered Countess, an RFA, at the original-round level. He will bring a $2.025MM salary onto the Eagles’ payroll.

The Eagles cut Countess after the 2016 preseason, and the Jeff Fisher-led Rams added him to their practice squad. He received more playing time with Sean McVay‘s Rams, suiting up for all of Los Angeles’ 36 games (counting the playoffs) over the past two seasons. The Eagles did not use a draft choice on a safety but did add Andrew Sendejo this offseason. Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod, the latter coming off a season-ending injury that induced a substantial pay cut, as their first-string safeties.

Seahawks Sign 12 UDFAs

May 3rd, 2019 at 3:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

The busiest day of 2019 to date for undrafted free agent agreements, Friday also doubled as the Seahawks’ unveiling date for their post-draft rookie contingent. Here is Seattle’s list:

When combined with the Seahawks’ draft class, Ferguson and Wright represent the fourth and fifth rookie wideouts added to the roster. D.K. Metcalf obviously arrives as the highest-profile target, but Seattle also used a fourth-round pick on Wake Forest’s Gary Jennings. Wright averaged 16.7 yards per catch last season, hauling in five touchdowns with the 2018 Boilermakers. Ferguson put up better stats at the Division I-FCS level, becoming the Southland Conferece’s offensive player of the year after a 1,117-yard, 13-touchdown season.

The Seahawks did not use any of their 11 draft choices on cornerbacks, nor did they sign any this offseason. That may increase the Big 12-produced corners’ chances of making the team. However, seven corners already reside on Seattle’s roster.

While Choice was not Clemson’s lead back last season, he was the national champions’ second-leading rusher with 548 yards. En route to seven rushing touchdowns, Choice averaged 7.1 yards per carry. Christion finished as the Jackrabbits’ all-time leader in all notable passing categories. He ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at South Dakota State’s pro day and may have a decent chance to make the Seahawks’ roster. Paxton Lynch represents Seattle’s only backup quarterback option, and Chad Kelly quickly beat him out for the Broncos’ QB2 job last year.

Saints To Work Out Sam Young, Ulrick John

May 3rd, 2019 at 3:09pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although the Saints only had one pick in the first three rounds of last week’s draft, they used it on an offensive lineman, Erik McCoy. The team is still exploring veteran front-five depth, however.

The Saints will audition both Sam Young and Ulrick John, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk report (Twitter links). John’s workout is slated for May 10, when New Orleans will hold its rookie minicamp.

While Derek Newton is the most experienced Saints backup offensive lineman, he has played in one game since October 2016 due to the two patellar tendon tears he suffered in his Texans finale. Michael Ola also resides on New Orleans’ roster.

Young, 31, served as a swing option for the Dolphins the past three years. The 6-foot-8 tackle started eight games in that span and was a nine-game starter in Jacksonville between the 2014 and ’15 seasons. Also a tackle, John has not played since the 2017 season and has not seen action with the same franchise in consecutive years. His most relevant NFL work came in three starts for the 2016 Cardinals.

Additionally, the Saints will work out former Lions and Bears fullback Michael Burton, Herbie Teope of NFL.com tweets. That audition will also take place at next weekend’s rookie camp. Like Young and John, Burton is a former Day 3 pick. He played four seasons combined with the NFC North franchises. Burton played just 49 snaps last season in Chicago but graded out well, per Pro Football Focus.

49ers Add 10 Undrafted Free Agents

May 3rd, 2019 at 2:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

Teams continue to finalize their UDFA hauls. Here are the players who will try to make the 49ers’ 53-man roster:

Michigan’s starting quarterback in 2016, prior to a back injury that ended up costing him the job, Speight finished his career in Los Angeles and appeared in seven games for the 2018 Bruins. He threw just six touchdown passes in his lone UCLA campaign. He will become the fourth quarterback on the 49ers’ roster.

Garcia-Williams stands 6-foot-7 and is coming off a breakout year, when he recorded 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. He will compete for time along the edge for a San Francisco team suddenly much stronger at that spot. Givens profiles as an interior defender, a spot where the 49ers have been deep for years due to their continued first-round investments.

The 49ers guaranteed $25K of Mayfield’s base salary, along with a $10K signing bonus, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets. Mayfield comprised part of the 49ers’ pre-draft visitor list. Despite Henry totaling fewer than 400 yards at Division II West Georgia last year, the 49ers are guaranteeing him $90K, Matt Barrows of The Athletic notes (subscription required).

Raiders Decline Karl Joseph’s 2020 Option

May 3rd, 2019 at 2:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although Karl Joseph‘s stay on the trade block did not produce a departure, unlike other Reggie McKenzie first-round picks last year, the Raiders will not add a year onto the safety’s rookie contract.

The Raiders opted to decline the safety’s fifth-year option, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (on Twitter). Jon Gruden confirmed this Friday, per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com.

This runs contrary to a February report indicating the Raiders were considering exercising Joseph’s option. But this points a path out of Oakland for yet another of McKenzie’s high picks. Since Gruden arrived, he has shipped out first- or second-round picks Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper, Mario Edwards, Jihad Ward and Obi Melifonwu. Joseph is now in a contract year.

A 2016 first-round pick, Joseph was a part-time starter for the 2018 Raiders. He played with the first-string defense in eight games. With Lamarcus Joyner now signed and Gruden openly expressing his affinity for first-round pick Johnathan Abram‘s skill set, Joseph’s role is now even more uncertain.

Packers Sign 11 UDFAs

May 3rd, 2019 at 1:28pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Packers revealed their UDFA class on Friday. Here are the players who will try to take the long way to making Green Bay’s roster.

The three linebackers join seventh-round pick Ty Summers in adding to Green Bay’s defensive second level depth. Bolton was a one-year starter at Oklahoma, with Ramsey having been a two-season starter at Temple. Ramsey also saw action on the Owls’ defensive line. A 26-game Baylor starter, Roberts received a $7K signing bonus and $65K base salary guarantee, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (on Twitter).

Wilkins was the Sun Devils’ starting quarterback for three seasons. Joining Aaron Rodgers, DeShone Kizer and 2018 UDFA Tim Boyle, Wilkins represents the Packers’ only offseason QB addition. In addition to throwing 52 touchdown passes in three seasons, Wilkins rushed for 20 TDs and gained 1,035 yards on the ground.

Browns Sign 15 UDFAs

May 3rd, 2019 at 12:48pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Browns are the latest team to formally announce their undrafted free agent class. Overall, Cleveland inked 15 additional rookies to supplement their draft class, which did not include a first round pick.

  • Dorian Baker, WR (Kentucky)
  • David Blough, QB (Purdue)
  • Stephen Carlson, TE (Princeton)
  • Brian Fineanganofo, OT (Idaho State)
  • Jamie Gillan, P (Arkansas Pine-Bluff)
  • Darrin Hall, RB (Pittsburgh)
  • J.T. Hassell, S (Florida Tech)
  • D.J. Montgomery, WR (Austin Peay)
  • Jarrell Owens, DE (Oklahoma State)
  • Jermaine Ponder, CB (Saint Francis Pa.)
  • Wyatt Ray, DE (Boston College)
  • Anthony Stubbs, LB (Prairie View A&M)
  • Trevon Tate, C (Memphis)
  • Willie Wright, C (Tulsa)
  • Dedrick Young II, LB (Nebraska)

Many analysts thought that Ray would get drafted, so he might have one of the best chances of making the team. He was productive for Boston College last season in his first year as a starter, notching 11.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Gillian is another interesting player in this class. Nicknamed the ‘Scottish Hammer’, he’s extremely versatile and handled both punting and kicking duties in college.

The Browns did just draft kicker Austin Seibert in the fifth round and most people project Gillian as more of a punter in the pro game. He should have the chance to battle it out with Britton Colquitt in camp. Baker didn’t see too much action because of Kentucky’s run-first offense, but he’s a big receiver who’s very strong, and he could be a decent flyer.

Packers Sign Rashan Gary

May 3rd, 2019 at 11:28am CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Packers officially have both of their first round picks on board. The day after signing 21st overall pick Darnell Savage Jr. to his rookie contract, Green Bay has agreed to terms with Rashan Gary, the team announced in a release.

The Packers drafted the Michigan pass-rusher twelfth overall. Savage was the first of the 2019 first round picks to sign, and the Packers are making quick work of signing their draft picks. The Packers have made a bunch of big moves to upgrade their defense this season, starting in free agency.

They signed pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith away from the Ravens, and safety Adrian Amos from the Bears. Then they drafted Gary and Savage last week, and all four should start next season. It’s safe to say Green Bay’s defense will look radically different in 2019. Gary formed his own agency before the draft, which raised some eyebrows. Clearly it didn’t complicate negotiations at all, as he got his deal done pretty quickly.

Gary is an insane athlete who was widely regarded as one of the top defensive players available in the draft. There was some concern about his lack of statistical production with the Wolverines, but the Packers weren’t bothered. Green Bay reportedly plans to use him at outside linebacker. We won’t know for sure for a while, but so far the first offseason of the Matt LaFleur era seems to be going nicely for the Packers.

Gary’s contract will be a standard four-year pact with a fifth-year option, and he will earn $15.877MM over the first four years of the deal. His signing bonus should be right around $9.567MM.

Colts Sign 9 UDFAs

May 3rd, 2019 at 10:41am CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Colts announced their undrafted free agent class today, and it was a bit smaller than most other teams’ that we’ve seen so far. Indianapolis inked the following nine players:

The Colts clearly had positions of emphasis, as they double-dipped at three positions in only a nine member class. Peters and Rayford played alongside each other at Mississippi State, and could be battling it out for one spot in the secondary. Since the Colts already have Adam Vinatieri, Hatfield will likely be little more than a camp leg. Hart was highly productive at Georgia State, racking up 1,109 yards as a freshman and sometimes dominating in the Sun Belt. Even though the Colts added a few wide receivers this offseason, he could make some noise in camp.

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